Soviet Era Housing Proposed as Cost Effective Option for North Berkeley BART Development
Community-based organizations “miffed” by Rent Board’s Action
In a bold and decisive move to break the gridlock over residential development at the North Berkeley BART site, the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board has put forth a proposal for a twelve story 300 unit structure of 100% affordable housing modeled after the classic Khrushchyovka design. Khrushchyovka is the common name for concrete panel structures developed in the Solvie Union during the 1960s. In its press release, the Rent Board noted that the use of prefabricated concrete panels, “is a tried and true method for the rapid assembly of urban-scale dwellings.”
The Rent Board specifically endorsed the K-7 design series as a means of “optimizing density while accommodating a range of community needs.” Typical apartments of the K-7 series have a total area of 30 m2 (one-room), 44 m2 (two-room) and 60 m2 (three-room). The K-7 design is natural gas ban ready as most of the units were built in areas without utility infrastructure. The Rent Board chair observed, “Think about it, these Soviet era dwellings were decades ahead of their time when it came to utilities.”
A number of observers were surprised by the move noting that planning for the North Berkeley BART development was moving according to a community-based process. The Bunion contacted NorthBerkeleyNow.org for comment. Their spokesperson indicated, “This is not what we had in mind when we advocated for replacing a parking lot with paradise.” The group also noted, “We don’t want a 100% market rate development, but market rate units will help pay for things we want like a nice greenway and lots of affordable homes. This proposal is a concrete mass with no green in sight.”
Think about it, these Soviet era dwellings were decades ahead of their time when it came to utilities.
Berkeley Rent Board
North Berkeley Now indicated “this is not what we had in mind”
The Rent Board’s chair explained, “Rent Board commissioners have felt closeted for years, we decided it was time to stop cloaking our Marxists leanings under the banner of “progressivism” and just come right out with it. The North Berkeley BART project provided the perfect opportunity — its really liberating; I mean revolutionary!” Further, in an effort to double down on Marxist’s tradition, the Board insisted that the apartment’s size only be reported in square meters.
Rent Board commissioners also cited the proposed policy where any person seeking housing, with a voucher or any subsidy to pay their rent, be entitled to the rental as the first applicant of right. In their final resolution, the Board stated, “Look this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to “put the people in the People’s Republic of Berkeley.”
Rent Board commissioners have felt closeted for years, we decided it was time to stop cloaking our Marxists leanings under the banner of “progressivism” and just come right out with it
Berkeley Rent Board
